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THE COUNTY DRAINAGE-AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES-EQUESTRIAN AND LIFE STOCK FAIRS-THE VARIOUS RE-ORGANIZATIONS-COUNTY FINANCES-STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES-BONDS AND BRIDGES-THE WABASH AND ERIE CANAL-ORIGIN OF THE SCHOOL FUNDS—SPECIAL SCHOOL REVENUE—STATISTICS—EARLY ACTION ON THE FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM--EARLY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE-CATALOGUE OF COUNTY OFFICERS-POLITICS-THE BALLOT OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

THE citizens of the county, especially those on the west side of the
river, have within the last decade or two become aware of the great importance of drainage. Prior to five or six years ago, there were but two or three open or underdrains of any magnitude in the county, but about 1877, under new and urgent State Laws, the matter was brought into greater notice, and petitions were received by the County Board for the establishment of open ditches in various portions of the county. Since that time, ten or twelve open ditches have been projected, and several completed, while others are still in a partially finished state.. The following are the ditches by names, with the cost as estimated and reported by the viewing Commissioners, and the general location: Morgan Ditch, to cost $5,803, in Townships 7 and 8, Range 5; Clogston Ditch, to cost $800, in Township 6, Range 5 or 6; Wells Ditch, to cost $1,387.50, in Township 6, Range 6; Hills Ditch, to cost $1,767, in Townships 5 and 6, Range 6; the Stalcup Ditch, to cost $27,195, in Townships 6 and 7, Range 5; the McKee Ditch, to cost $555, in Township 6, Range 6; the Axe Ditch, to cost $2,480, in Township 6, Range 6; the Plummer Ditch, to cost probably several thousand dollars, and possibly two or three others that have been overlooked. The total estimated cost is about $40,000. This is an excellent showing, and should be continued.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

The earliest attempt to organize an agricultural society within the limits of Greene County was in 1835. The County Board `b Ordered, That the Clerk of this board shall within ten days hereafter, advertise on the court house door in Bloomfield, that there will be a meeting of the citizens of Greene County in the town of Bloomfield on the last Saturday in May next, for the purpose of forming an agricultural society in the county of Greene and State of Indiana." If this meeting was held, or if any action whatever was taken, such fact is no longer remembered. In October, 1853, under the new law of the State, granting the right to organize corporate societies for the promotion of agriculture, a meeting of the citizens was held, the attendance being small, and it was then decided to hold a fair that fall, but this plan was abandoned, owing to the lateness of the season. These facts, and a brief description of the county were furnished the State Board of Agriculture, by Mr. I. V. Coddington, Secretery of the society. On the 14th of November, 1853, the society seems to have been re-organized, as at that time a constitution and by-laws was adopted, and the following permanent officers elected: Martin Wines, President; L V. Coddington, Vice President; P. Schultze, Secretary; J. M. Humphreys, Treasurer. At this time the society numbered twenty-five members, and by the 1st of January, 1854, had increased to 139. At a meeting held at Bloomfield,
April 28, 1854, it was decided by the society to hold a fair on the 18th and 19th of October of that year for the first. This fair was held in pursuance of this action a short distance west of Bloomfield. No wheat, corn, or vegetables were on exhibition. Horses, cattle, mules and hogs were quite well represented. Manufactured articles of home origin, fruit, wagons, plows, harrows, butter, cheese, etc., were also exhibited. William Mack, Esq., and others addressed the small crowd on the second day. The officers elected for 1855 were F. B. Cressy, President; John Jones, Vice President; Peter Schultze, Secretary; Joseph Lyons, Treasurer; Henry Vanslyke, Librarian. The second fair was also held at Bloomfield, with a bet- ter Exhibit of live stock, farm products, etc., than in 1854. A full account of this fair cannot be given.

The Third Annual Fair of the Greene County Agricultural Society Was held at Bloomfield, just west of town, on the 2d and 3d of October, 1856. The White River Valley Times published at Worthington, said on the 9th of October: " We found the ground selected for it in a miserable place. One half was in the woods and the other half in a potato patch, with no accommodations at all. Every person who brought stock of any kind or any article for exhibition was allowed the privilege of poking them into any corner he could find. Order in the arrangement of articles was but little observed. This was the duty of the society, but owing tothe limited amount of funds they were unable to attend to it. We found the exhibition of stock rather creditable!' There was on exhibition fine fruit and vegetables, and a large crowd was present to see the sights and listen to the speech of Hon. Joseph A. Wright. Premiums of money, silver goblets, cups, butter knives, thimbles, spoons were then awarded. Pressly Stafford, L V. Coddington,Henry Vanslyke and G. C. Morgan, took premiums on cattle; Elias Dayhoff, James Jessup, Abraham Dayhoff, C. J. Barrackman, Joseph Shields, J. F. Jamison, W. Y. Dayhoff, H. R. Strong, William Dixson, B. F. Dayhoff, K. B. Osborn, A. J. New-son and Horace Williams kook premiums on horses; Aquilla Price, A. Jessup, Pete/ Vanslyke, W. Y. Dayhoff, Samuel Moore on mules and jacks; Henry and Peter Vanslyke on sheep; George Stille on hogs; Henry and Peter Vanslyke, J. Henderson and T. V. Coddington on farm implements; Henry Vanslyke and David Middleton on leather; Mrs. W. J. McIntosh, Mrs. A. J. Faucett, Mrs. Mary Bryant, Mrs. D. Alkire and Mrs. A. Price on domestic ware; Mrs. Martin Wines, Mrs. C. J. Barrackman, Mrs. E. Palmer, Mrs. E. Mack, and Mrs. M. H. Shryer on needlework; D. Hunter, Henry Vanslyke, Elias Dayhoff, A. Price and John Workman on vegetables; M. L. Deal on fruit; I. V. Coddington, A. J. Faucett, W. N. Alkire and Mrs. M. Bryant on butter and cheese; D. A. Bynum, A. J. Faucett and M. L. Deal on grain. The following officers were elected for 1857: John Jones, President; Henry Vanslyke, Vice President; J. C. Bennett, Secretary; Joseph Eveleigh, Treasurer; William H. Johnson, Librarian; Joseph Lyons, S. Fellows, J. F. Jamison, J. P. East, W. J, McIntosh,John Sanders, John A. Pegg. H. B. Strong, Andrew Humphrey, I. V. Coddington, P. M. O'Haver, S. 'Walston and C. J. Barrackman, Directors. The former President was John Jones and the former Secretary J. C. Bennett.

The next fair, that of 1857, was held at Newberry. Premiums to the amount of $180 were paid. G. C. Morgan received the first premium for the best farm. Hon. John T. Freeland was the orator. In 1858, the county fair was again held at Bloomfield on a tract of five acres leased of John Jones and Henry Vanslyke for ten years, it is said. A tight fence ten feet high was built around this tract of open and timber land, and suitable stalls and sheds were built; 280 entries were made, and all premiums of over $2 were 'paid in silverware. Excellent stock was exhibited and as a whole the fair was better than on any previous year. The old Junction Woolen Factory of Point Commerce exhibited fine fabrics of manufacture, and A. J. Newson and G. C. Morgan exhibited blooded stock. On the third day, a trotting match was witnessed for the first time in the county. Mrs. Hatfield, Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Gallagher and Miss McIntosh competed for the premiums offered for the best female equestrianism. The last named took the first prize and Mrs. Gallagher the second. This fair was greatly enjoyed. Premiums worth $261 were paid.

Fairs continued to be held thereafter annually at Bloomfield. A very large and profitable one was held in 1861. Premiums worth $600 were paid, and a handsome balance was left in the treasury of the society. Among the premiums were $20 for the best cultivated bottom farm, and $10 for second best. Also $20 for the best cultivated upland farm, and $10 for second best. For the best female rider, $10; for the best band of music, $20; second best, $10. Premiums were paid for horses, trotting, mules and jacks, cattle, hogs, sheep, wagons, carriages, mechanical work, farm products, jellies and preserves, domestic manufactures, needlework, dairy products, floriculture, fruit, female
equestrianism, music, best farms, miscellaneous articles. The officers at this time were A. J. Faucett, President; M. J. Lyons, Secretary; William Mason, Treasurer; Horace Norvell, Superintendent; G. W. Osborn, Assistant Superintend. ent, The fair of 1862, was not as great a success, for the nation was at war, and peaceful pursuits were neglected. Only two-thirds in value of the premiums offered were paid. John Jones was President, and W. W. Gainey, Secretary. After this the fair was abandoned, though efforts were made to keep it alive. In October, 1870, articles of incorporation of the Greene County Agricultural Society were filed in the Recorder's office. The objects, as stated, were " to promote the interests of agriculture, horticulture and mechanical arts," under the act of the Legislature of February 17, 1852. Article IV of the articles of incorporation provided that, to more effectually accomplish its objects, the society should, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of February 20, 1867, issue a capital stock to an amount not exceeding $5,000 in 1,000 shares of $5 each, transferable to bearer, each stockholder to he entitled to an additional vote for each share by him held. It was also determined that "this
society shall, during a period of ten years, hold an annual fair at such time and place (not exceeding two miles from the town of Linton) as the society may determine at any regular meeting." It was also decided that " from the proceeds of the sale of the capital stock there shall be leased and inclosed not less than twelve nor more than eighteen acres of ground for the use of the society, and the necessary sheds and conveniences." The list of original stockholders, with the number of shares each subscribed, was as follows: Th omas Mason, 1; J. W. Usrey, 1; J. M. Hale, 1; W. F. Sherwood, 5; E. J. Jackson, 1; Levi Price, 2; B. G. Fullam, 1; David Osborn, 1; Benjamin Price. 1; William Watson, 1; Henry Bradfield, 1; Charles Sherwood, 1; B. M. Sherwood, 1; Wilson Humphreys, 4;
S. S. Sharp, 1; J. D. Mason, 1; S. D. Mason, 1; John Hixon, 1; B. S. Sherwood, 4; Hugh Smith, 1; G.
T. Ross, 2; Isaac Buch, 2; William Bradfield, 1; Thomas Ellis, 1; J. W. Beasley, 1; Jacob Clark, 1; William Wines, 10; Squire T. Bedwell, 1; Ira M. Osborn, 1; C. C. Moore, 1; Joseph McClung, 1; R. W. McClung. 1; Lewis Clayton, 1; William Bradfield, Jr., 1; Boon Hinman, 1; E. J. Campbell, 1; Jeptha Moss, 1; Alexander Mitchell, 1; John Campbell, 1; John Mitchell, 1; Andrew Mitchell, 1; Henry Watson, 1; Charles Watson, 1; Rush Watson, 1; James Terhune, 1; B. F. Watson, 2; William James, 1; James Moody, 1; Hugh M. Sherwood, 1; Isaac Rudolph, 1; D. E. Humphreys, 1; Joseph Wolford, 1; J. W. Wolford, 1; Jeremiah Pool, 1; B. B. Watson, 2: D. Usrey, 1; Charles Hattery, 1; John Folluin, 1. The first officers were Thomas Mason, President; Jephtha Moss, Vice President; J. W. Usrey, Secretary; E. J. Jackson, Corresponding Secretary; B. S. Sherwood, Treasurer; and Boon Hinman, General Superintendent. The first fair of this society was held at Linton in 1871, and was highly successful, a large crowd being present, and a large number of articles being exhibited. The details are too extensive for this volume. A good ground was obtained east of town, where the fair has been held. Much credit is due Linton and vicinity kir the interest it has taken in the County Agricultural Society, beginning in 1854. Many of the fairs held in the decade of seventies were excellent in all departments, and fully up to the standard of the counties of Indiana.
For a number of years during the decade of the sixties, Jack Baber held a stock and agricultural fair at Worthington. The first was held on the town commons in October, 1862, and was well attended. Considerable fruit and vegetables were on exhibition. Among the display were two cuts of cotton, raised and spun in Fairplay Township by Mrs. John A. Pegg. A number of fine horses was shown. The principal value of this fair related to the rearing of horses. A much larger crowd was on hand at the next fair, 2,500, it was said, being present. Premiums were paid on horses, farm products, lady equestrianism, etc. How long Baber's fair continued cannot be stated.

COUNTY FINANCES.

The total expense of the county for the year 1821 was $238.75, and for the year 1822 was $970.34. The cash receipts in 1821 were nothing, and in 1822 were $268.121. The entire receipts from all sources from the organization of the county to November, 1824, were $1,120.931. Of this amount, $944.991 was paid out. It is probable that by this time, at least $1,000 had been issued in " county orders." At least, the county was deeply in debt. In 1825, the county receipts were $447.75, and the town receipts $208.721. During the year the total receipts then were $656.471. The county expenses (that is, the cash used, not the orders issued) in 1825, were $354.981, and the town expenses (cash used) were $238.23; total cash expense for the year $593.211. In 1829-30 (from May to May), the cash receipts were $644.461, and the cash expenses $591.65. In 1833, the total receipts were $976.47,1, and the expenses $1,001.501. The Circuit Court cost $166; the Probate Court, $9;' wolf scalps, $23; and Treasurer's fees, $11,14. For the fiscal year ending November, 1837, the total expense was $1,220 041. The county poor cost $158.99; county officers, $370.901; the courts, $380.75. The total receipts were (including delinquent tax not collected and old county orders canceled), $4,924.031. In 1837-38 (calendar year), the records of the County Board show that the receipts for the year were
$t,627.55. Merchants', ferry, liquor and other licenses brought $259.44 The `ounty revenue was about $1,000, of which $826.23 had been collected at the end of the fiscal year. The total expenses were $1,444,36. Of this, $503.34 went to county officers, $255.58 to the poor, and $437.50 to the courts. For the fiscal year ending June, 1845, the total receipts were $2,309.58, the county revenue collected during that period being $2,116.56. The total expenses, exclusive of county orders unredeemed, were $1,966.26. The poor cost $257.80, county officers, $381.97, and the courts, $555.65. For the fiscal year 1847-48, the receipts were $3,674.35, merchants' licenses bringing $117.66, and grocer& licenses, $109.82. The total expenses were $3,631.16, of which $933.51 went to the pool, $451.57 to county officers, $508.25 to the courts, and $823.31 to purchase the poor farm. For the fiscal year 1851-52, the receipts were $5,734.31, the county revenue colleCted, including delinquencies, being $4,985.33. Merchants' licenses brought $144.35, and liquor and grocery licenses $149. The expenses were $4,727.92. The poor cost $531.79; county officers, $495.33; the courts, $899.53. At the end of this year, there were outstanding orders to the amount of about $2,000. For the fiscal year 1855-56, the receipts were $8,200.99, and the expenses $7,017.44. Outstanding orders to the amount of $1,183.55 were redeemed. The poor cost $1,052.57; county officers, $936.96; the courts, $2,342.20. In 1857-58, the receipts were $10,268.38, and the expenses $7,923.67. The county revenue collected during the year, including delinquencies, was $9,939.73. The poor cost $913.08; county officers, $1,504.79; the courts, $1,981.40; and agriculture, $170. In 1858-59, the receipts were $16,812.79; and the expenses, $10,503.94. For the year 1850-60, there was on hand at the beginning, $5,069.51. The receipts from the sale of county bonds were $6.500; from delinquent tax, $1,503.23; total receipts, $28,511.75. Outstanding county orders at the end of the year, $2,452.73. County officers cost $1,689.66; poor, $976.43; agricultural society, $60; new jail, $7,809.65; courts, $2,221.75. For the fiscal year 1862-63, there was on hand at the beginning $6,404.96. The county revenue reported was $12,209.06, and the total actual receipts $12,364.81, which, added to what was on hand, gave $18,769.77. The county expenses amounted to $7,115,08. County orders to the amount of $6,246.12 were redeemed, leaving in the treasury $5,407.70. County orders still outstanding $5,700, leaving the county actually in debt $382.30. The poor cost $1,368.14; the courts cost $86914; and county officers, $2,160.63. For the year 1865-66, there was on hand to begin $6,049.32. The county revenue receipts were $29,879.06, and the total receipts, including what was on hand to begin with, were $48,113.65. The total actual expenses were S16,242.07. The poor cost $4,748.50; county officers, $1,983.45; and the courts, $2,667.66. County orders to the amount of $19,099.40 were paid during the year, and there was left in the treasury a balance of $12,772.18. There were yet outstanding orders worth $600, which should have been paid while the county was engaged in the good work. This amount, taken from what remained in the treasury, left $12,172.18, what the county was ahead of all its liabilities, and all this, too, just at the close of the war. For the fiscal year 1869-70, there was on hand at the beginning $6,483. The county revenue receipts were $18,282.96, and the total receipts $25,130.01. The poor cost $5,737.47; county officers,.$2,040.88; and the courts, $3,401.21. The total county expense was $18,824.59, but only $13,945.45 in county orders was redeemed. There was left on hand $10,484.56. For the fiscal year 1875-76, there was on hand at the beginning $22,566.06. The revenue receipts were $20,128.52, and the total receipts were $36,365.46, making, with what was on hand, $58,936.52. The receipts from the sale of bonds were $6,000. The poor cost $3,639.71; county officers, $8,186.87; the agricultural society, $110; and the courts, $3,226.62. The total expenses were $31,783.52, and orders additional to the amount of $6,759.05 were redeemed, making the total outlay $3k3,542.57. For the fiscal year 187980, there was on hand at the beginning $2,727.74. The county revenue collected amounted to $23,593.85, and the receipts from the sale of county bonds was $30,075. The total amount to meet the expenses of the year was then $58,747.75. The poor cost $3,510.16; the courts, $3,361.72; county officers, $4,782.11; and the bridges built cost $21,- 755.34. The total outlay was $42,562.29, leaving on hand $16,185.46. The total receipts and expenditures in full from June 1, 1882, to May 31, 1883, inclusive, were as follows:

RECEIPTS.

Balance on hand June 1, 1882 $25,219 91
Circuit Court docket fees 144 00
Collections on account of estrays 70
Collections from poor farm 76 25
Cash found on dead body 6 15
Common Pleas docket fees 18 20
Common Pleas jury fees 55 75
Collections of county revenue 26,036 06
Credited tax refunded 676 32
Credited tax refunded for May, 1881 4 00
Cash for county property sold
Cash from State on account of special Judge
Surplus school fund interest
Cost of advertising collected 6 20
50 00 978 28 63 20
Total receipts $53,360 02

EXPENDITURES.
Circuit Court docket fees $144 90
Special Judge fees 50. 00
Assessment 1, 788
Insane • 1,060
Bridge. 2,448
Stationery 2,371
Pauper 5, 233
Road. 189
Court house 575
Criminal 848
Fox scalp 17 00
County officers 5,189 54
Tax refund 583 97
Ditch and drainage 1,066 00
Printing 499 95
School fund 1,316 72
Deaf and Dumb Asylum 98 53
Blind Asylum 3 40
- Inquest 212 10
Reformatory 192 50
Election 140 30
County Attorney 165 00
Board of Health 483 33
Circuit Court 3,019 48
Incidental 10 00.
Fuel 233 54
County Institute 50 00
Total $27,992 26
County orders out June 1, 1882 3,580 81
County orders out June 1, 1883 2,536 82
Difference in amounts $ 1,043 99
Added to expense for year 27,992 26
Docket fees paid for year 144.90

Amount in County T Respectfully submitted. JOHN L. HARREL, Auditor.
Approved June 16, 1883.
MOSES CROCKETT,
JOHN MILLER, JR., Commissioners.
ROBERT T. MCKEE,
Treasury to balance 24,178 87


BONDS AND BRIDGES.

The present (1883-84) bonded debt of Greene County is about $30,000. This was incurred? principally,in the construction of three bridges across White River—one at Newberry, one at Worthington, and one northwest of Bloomfield. In round numbers, the bridge at Newberry cost $12,000; the one at Worthington, $12,000, and the one northwest of Bloomfield (built of iron), $24,000. Total cost of the three in round numbers, $48,000. The iron bridge was built in 1875, and the other two in 1878. By 1876, sixty bonds,"each calling for $500, had been issued. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these bonds was used for other purposes, and the deficiency was supplied from the county collections. No more bonds have been sold. At present a new bridge is being built across the river about two miles below Bloomfield, the estimated cost of which is $15,000. An issue of about $10,000 of bonds will have to be made to meet the expense, the remainder being used from the county funds.





WABASH & ERIE CANAL.

Before steam was harnessed and driven with enormous burdens across the continent, water channels were the great highways which floated the products of commerce. Streams of all sizes were utilized—widened and deepened—and at last other means were sought to increase the number of such highways to meet the demand for large and rapid transits. Artificial channels were constructed and filled with water, and furnished a much better means of intercommunication, owing to their safety, than the natural streams whose currents and floods were dangerous. The State Internal Improvement Bill, enacted late in the thirties, provided for, among other stupendous projects, a system of canals to meet the growing demands of the State. Accordingly the above-named canal was projected and built. During the forties, to complete the work, land grants were made. State bonds were issued, and bought in England, and at last, early in the fifties, the channel was open from Toledo, Ohio, to Evansville, Ind. During the years 1849 and 1850, the work was done through Greene County, the route lying as follows: Entering the county at Johnstown, thence down to Worthington; thence along the west side of the river to Newberry, where a dam was built and the river crossed; thence southwestwardly into Daviess County. Contracts were taken by moneyed men to excavate certain limits of the canal, and then hundreds of Irishmen and others were employed to do the earth work. The means at hand then were not what they are now. The work was done almost wholly with the spade shovel, pick, wheelbarrow and one-horse cart, with an occasional scraper. Regular traffic north by boat began at Worthington in 1850, at which time the occasion was celebrated by a grand excursion up the canal to Terre Haute. In 1851, regular boats were running across Greene County. Andrew Downing, who was then conducting the iron furnace, owned two boats on which he shipped the products of his furnace. Alexander Thompson was one of his Captains for a time. Large quantities of iron were sent to Evansville. One of his-boats was finally wrecked at the Richland cut-off, where the half rotten remains may be seen imbedded to this day. His brother Paul was also one of his Captains. Start & Co., flour merchants of Worthington, also owned several boats and shipped large quantities of milling products off on the canal. P. C. Vanslyke, of Bloomfield, owned two boats called respectively the John H. Eller and the H. T. Ford, the latter being a very rapid sailer. He made a business for several years of shipping grain and other products. The canal through this part of its course was never finished and therefore never furnished the proper depth of water for large loads. There were six locks in the county. A. fair business was done until about 1859, when the canal was mainly abando led. It was revived from time to time until about 1863, though it could not be depended on and was regarded as an eyesore and a nuisance.

ORIGIN OF COMMON SCHOOL FUND.

Surplus revenue.. $4,959 74
- Bank tax fund. 592 24
Saline fund... 516 04
Sinking fund 5,813 41
Sale of seminary and rents.. 382 47
Other sources prior to 1853 173 30
Penalties, fines, forfeitures, etc., etc., from 1854
to 1883, inclusive. 26,143 01
Total $38,580 21

ORIGIN OF CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL FUND.

This fund has been obtained wholly from the sale of school lands in the county. These lands were the various sixteenth sections in the Congressional townships comprised within the county limits—in all fifteen in number. Sales began to be made in some of them immediately after the organization of the county, and continued until comparatively recent years. There has been no increase of the fund since about the years 1866-67, when the last school land was sold. The origin of the fund was as follows:



Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 3 west
Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 4 west
Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 5 west
Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 6 west
Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 7 west
Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 3 west
Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 4 west
Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 5 west
Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 6 west
Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 7 west
Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 3 west
Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 4 west
Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 5 west
Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 6 west
Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 7 west
For forfeitures and interest

Total Congressional fund

$840 00
1,390 00
1,250 00
800 00
800 00 800 00 835 00
1,228 61 800 00 800 00 860 00 881 00
1,724 95 802 50 800 00
3,043 44

$17,655.50












OTHER SCHOOL REVENUE.

The only other revenue than from the interest on the common and Congressional funds is derived from direct levies upon the polls and the taxable property of the county. The alterations in the mode of levying have been numerous and will not be traced. The following table shows the entire school revenue of the county in April, 1883:

TOWNSHIPS OR TOWNS.

Congressional
Revenue. Common
School
Revenue. Liquor License. Total
School
Revenue.
Richland $91 (12 $1,442 36 $38 09 $1,572 04
Taylor 51 99 r23 80 22 09 867 88
Cass 23 2() 367 72 9 86 400 78
Jackson 79 60 1,261 35 33 81 1,374 76
Center 55 40 877 96 23 54 956 90
Beech Creek 61 43 913 45 26 10 1,060 98
Highland 33 10 524 50 14 06 571 66
Fairplay 20 15 319 26 8 56 347 97
Smith 26. 17 414 75 11 12 452 04
Wright. 49 29 781 05 20 93 851 27
Stockton 47 40 751 12 20 13 818 65
Stafford 31 39 497 42 13 33 542 14
Washington 4t; 41 735 44 19 72 801 57
Jefferson 26 71 423 30 11 35 461 36
Worthington 37 06 587 22 15 74 640 02
Grant 25 90 410 48 11 00 447 38
Totals $706 22 $11,191 18 $300 00 $12,197 40


In 1848, there were 4,917 children of school age in the county; in 1851, there were 4,928; in 1857, there were 6,004; in 1865, there were 6,723; in 1867, there were 6,942; in 1876, there were 8,218; in 1878, there were 8,450; and in 1883 there were 7,852, The entire school rev. enue distributed to the townships in 1857 amounted to $6,043.01; in 1867, to $13,360.0.5; and in 1883 to $12,197,40. In 1882, there were nine brick schoolhouses, 134 frame and no log. Value of schoolhouses and grounds, $70,700; value of apparatus, $5.840; volumes in township libraries, 2,378; number of private schools during the year, 23; number of teachers, 25; the decrease in school children from 1881 to 1882 was 158. Late in the decade of forties and early•in the decade of fifties, Greene, with all other counties of the State, was called upon to vote on the question of having free schools. The following statement shows the result of these elections:

BALLOT ON THE FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

TOWNSHIPS. 1848.* 1850. 1851.
For. Against. For. Against. For. Against.
Richland 86 163 187 55 183 44
Taylor 136 62 148 47
Jackson 38 128 97 85 128 60
Center 11 211 37 185 101 123
Beech Creek 6 161 23 137 81 82
Highland 20 134 54 97 81 61
rairplay 16 60 48 24 64 16
Eel River 40 46 70 38 80 25
Smith 61 53 31 18 38 12
Wright 25 75 40 84 61 58
Stockton 41 62 64 47 76 34
Stafford 15 58 26 44 35 32
Washington 11 44 41 40 56 22
Cass 67 44 88 17
Jefferson 53 28 58 22
Plummer 109 165
Total 474 1460 974 988 1278 655


* In 1848, Plummer Township comprised Taylor and Cass, and Jefferson was a part of Smith. This table shows the change in sentiment in the county on the question of free schools from 1848 to 1851. The result in 1849 cannot be given. In 1883, the number of acres in the county was 347,097.61; the value of land was $2,913,692; the value of improvements, $767,490; value of lots $87,135; value of improvements, $252,830; value of personal property, $1,900,076; total value of taxables, $5,921,223; total tax, $108,287.99; number of polls, 3,683.




EARLY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Edmund Jean, John B. Kelshaw, William Clark, James Warnick,1 Peter Ingersoll, 0. T. Barker, Frederick Slinkard, John Seaman, John.] Breece, Abel Burlingame, John Gardner, 1821; Joseph Kirkpatrick, Henry Littlejohn, Peter Arlester, 1822; Benson Jones, Robert Bartley, Samuel Hite, John Hill, J. W. Hines, 1824; James Storm, John Crooks, John Goldsley, 1825; Leonard Wines, E. P. Cushman, 'William Clark, Samuel Daugherty, John Storm, Frederick Slinkard, 1826; P. V. Hollister, 1827; John F. O'Neall, Elijah Veach, Henry Littlejohn, Richard Wright, Micajah Rust, John Robeson, Benjamin Herry, David Deem, John B. Kelshaw, Elisha Graves, 1828; Elisha P. Cushman, Thomas Clark, 1829; Charles Walker, John Burch, Frederick Hendricks, Stephen Stone, Jesse Rainbolt, John Goldsley, Aaron Brewer, James W. Riley, 1830; George Sarver, William Johnson, ;/eopard Wines, George K. Taylor, J. B. Ferrel, Raleigh Hopper, 1831; Jacob Dobbins, Abe Bugher, 1832; Isaac Anderson, F. 0. Donald, Daniel Harrah, W. F. Williams, L. D. Ellis, J. A. Pegg, J. F. O'Neal, Samuel Markley, Andrew Woodruff, 1833; Moses Ritter, Martin Wines, Ephraim Owen, Amos Owen, John Bullock, John Cochran, Jacob Young, 1834; James M. Gaston, John Abrams, Lewis Story, E. P. Cushman, Elisha Knox, 1835; Joseph Smith, Samuel Ferguson, John M. Coffey, Alexander Poe, Drury B. Boyd, John B. Ferrel, 1836; Jesse Brasher, Eleazer Spooner, Jacob Dobbins, W. M. Norris, Samuel Batman, 1837; Samuel Freeman, Abner Goodwin, Richard Wright, James B.Z. Gastineau, J. F. O'Neal', Andrew Caress, W. F. Williams, J. S. Osborn, James B. Spooner, John Hill, P. M. O'Haver, 1838; W. J. McIntosh. Vincent Lester, Amos Owen, Martin Wines, John Cochran, Henry Strickland, Henry Owen, Ephraim Jackson, James S. Freeman, George Johnson, Harmon Hartley, Drury B. Boyd, 1839; James M. Gaston, Levi Chapman, John Burch, Thomas Butler, William Burch, E. P. Cushman, 1810.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

Thomas Plummer, David Deem, Peter Herrington, March, 1821; Jonathan Lindley, May, 1822; Hiram Hayward, 1823 (at the September term, 1824, the County Justices began doing county business, continuing until 1827); Jonathan Lindley, Benson Jones and John Crooks, November, 1827; Stephen Stone, 1828; James Warnick, 1829; Samuel Simons, 1830; Benson Jones, 1830; Joel Sexson, 1832; Benson Jones, 1833; Samuel Simons, 1833 (in September, 1834, the County Justices again took control and continued until 1837); Samuel Simons, 1837; William O'Neall, 1837; Jesse Rainbolt, 1837; William O'Neall, 1838; Jesse Rain-bolt, 1839; Samuel Simons, 1840; William O'Neall, 1841; Frederick Slinkard, 1842; James Fuller, 1842; Samuel Simons, 1843; Alfred L. Kutch, 1844; James Fuller, 1845; Samuel Simons, 1846; A. L. Kutch, 1847; Jesse Rainbolt, 1847; Adam Stropes, 1847; Jeremiah Stone, 1847; Samuel Simons, 1849; A. L. Kutch, 1850; Jeremiah Stone, 1850; Samuel Simons, 1852; Aaron Hagaman, 1853; Abraham Spainhower, 1853; Jeremiah Stone, 1853; Aaron Hagaman, 1854; Adam Stropes, 1856; Andrew Raper, 1857; Aaron Hagaman, 1857; Aaron Bland, 1858? Abra ham Spainhower, 1858; Aaron Hagaman, 1859; J. F. Jamison, 1860; Abraham Spain.hower, 1861; John Jones, 1861; G. C. Morgan, 1862; J. F. Jamison, 1863; John Jones, 1861; G. C. Morgan, 1865; William Hert, 1806; John G. Owen, 1866; David Bonham, 1867; John R. Hudson, 1869; Wilson Humphreys, 1870; J. M. Cravens, 1870; Ja.2013 Nellinger, 1872; William C. Winters, 1872; Frank Stalcup, 1873; J. M. Cravens, 1873; Elijah Robbitt, 1875; Carpus N. Shaw, 1876; Frank Staidly, 1876; John R. Hudson, 1878; Abraham Spainhower, 1879; Wilson Humphreys, 1879;. Moses Crockett, 1881; John Miller, Jr., 1882; Robert T. McKee, 1882; Moses Crockett, 1884.

TREASURERS.

John Owen, April 6, 1821; Hallet B. Dean, February, 1824; Norman W. Pearce, January, 1827; Moses Ritter, 1832; Samuel D. Chipman, 1834; Etisha P Cushman, 1835; John Hill, 1841; William Mason, 1843; Joseph Lyons, 1852; James Harrah, 1856; J. B. Stropes, 1858; D. A. Bynum, 1862; Henry C. Owen, 1866; David Butcher, 1870; H. V. Nor-veil, 1874: H. T. Neal, 1878; E. R. Stropes, 1882.

AUDITORS.

Thomas Warnick (ex-officio), 1821; Samuel R. Cavins (ex-officio), 1835; Thomas Carson (elected), 1841; Samuel R. Cavins (ex-officio), 1846; John Jones, 1853; Joseph Lyons,1859; 0. T. Barker, 1867; Jason N. Conley, 1871; William R. Stropes, 1874; John L. Harrel, 1878.

CLERICS.

Thomas Warnick, April 27, 1821 (commissioned for seven years, but continued to serve until 1830); Thomas Warnick, 1830; Samuel R. Cavins, 1835; John M. Humphreys, 1855; John J. Milam, 1859; John T. Smith, 1865; D. Whitaker, 1870; J. F. Slinkard, 1878; Henry Gasti neau, 1882.

RECORDERS.

George Shroyer, 1821; Thomas Warnick, 1827; Samuel R. Cavins 1835; E. P. Cushman, 1855; John B. Cushman, 1858; Hughes East, 1859; J. T. Oliphant, 186'7; Daniel B. Hatfield, 1870; John A. Pate, 1878.

SHERIFFS..

Thomas Bradford, January 5, 1821; John Seaman, August 1821; George Baber, 1824; Cornelius Bogard, 1828; John Crooks, 1830; G. R. H. Moore, 1834; John R. Dixson, 1838; James Vanslyke, 1842; E. E. Beasley, 1846; William J. McIntosh, 1850; William G. Moss, 1856; John D. Killian, 1860; William G. Moss, 1864; F. M. Dagger, 1866; H. S. Slinkard, 1870; F. M. Dugger, 1872; Daniel M. Bynum, 1876; Joseph J. Sexson, 1880; E. A. Bonhaver, 1882




CORONERS.

Eli Dixson, January 5, 1821; Cornelius Bogard, August 1821; J. B. Landers, 1824; Vincent Lester, 1825; Stephen Stalcup, 1828; John A. Pegg, 1830; Samuel Steel, 1834; W. T. Wright, 1836; W. C. Hicks, 1837; Henry Kelsey, 1838; W. C. Hicks, 1839; Samuel C. Greene, 1843; John Cole, 1845; Jacob Bland, 1848; Eli Sparks, 1850; Edward West, 1852; William W. Gamey, 1854; John W. Osborn, 1856; Squire Flinn, 1857; John Bledsoe, 1860; J. G. Warnick, 1861; Doctor Holt, 1862; George Steele, 1864; Robert.Baker, 1866; Richard Hardesty, 1870; Robert Baker, 1872; David Armstrong, 1876; Newton Heaton, 1878; J. 0. Burbank, 1879; William Axe, 1880.

SURVEYORS.

John Stokely, 1821; Mark O'Neall, August 1821; Hance Stalcup 18311 Philander Burr, 1853; Alexander Plummer, 1855; C. M. Moss, 1861; James D. Knapp, 1865: Alexander Plummer, 1870; W. W. Clugston, 1876; Frank Shepard, 1878; F. M. Parker, 1879.

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS, EXAMINERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS.

Carpus Shaw, 1835; William Mason, 1842; W. D. Lester, 1843; A. S. Rhodes, 1847; John B. Stropes, 1847; W. D. Lester, 1848; Elisha P. Cushman, 1850-53 (end of Commissioners). John R. Hudson, June 1853; E. H. C. Cavins, December 1853; William Mack, March 1854; S. L. Stoddard, 1856; A. J. Axtell, 1856; William Mack, 1856; same three for 1857; David L. Osborn, 1858; William Mack, 1858; A. J. Axtell, 1858; H. C. Hill, 1859, vice Mack; H. C. Hill, 1861; A. J. Axtell, 1861; James A. Dagley, 1861; John T. Smith, June 1861 (under the new law approved March 11, 1861); Henry C. Hill, September 1861, vice Smith gone to the war; John R. Isenhower, 1864; Lewis B. Edwards, 1867; R. C. Hilburn, 1871-73 (end of Examiners); R. C. Hilburn, trot County Superintendent, June 1873; S. W. Axtell, autumn of 1876-84.

STATE SENATORS AND THE COUNTIES REPRESENTED.

Thomas H. Blake, 1821, Greene, Sullivan, Vigo, Owen and Parke; John Jenckes, 1822-25, Greene, Sullivan, Vigo, Owen, Parke and Putnam; John M. Coleman, 1825, Greene, Sullivan, Vigo, Parke, Putnam, Hendricks, Morgan, Owen, Montgomery, Vermillion and Clay; David H. Maxwell, 1826-30, Greene, Owen and Monroe; James Whitcomb, 183036, Greene, Owen, Monroe; David M. Dobson, 1836-44, Greene and Owen; John F. Allison, 1844-47, Greene and Owen; Lovell H. Rousseau, 1847-50, Greene and Owen; Jesse J. Alexander, 1850-58, Greene and Owen; Jason N. Conley, 1858-63, Greene and Owen; George W. Moore, 1863-67, Greene and Owen; John Humphreys, 111867-71, Greene and Owen; Wiley E. Dillemore, 1871-75, Greene and Owen; Andrew Htim phreys, 1875-77, Greene and Daviess; David J. Hefron, 1877-83, Greene and Daviess; Jacob F. McIntosh, 1883-, Greene and Daviess.



STATE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE COUNTIES COMPOSING THE DISTRICT.

Hugh Barnes, 1822, Greene, Owen and Morgan; Eli Dixson, 1823, same; David Harris, 1824, same; John Sims, 1825, same and Clay; Eli Dixson, 1826, Greene and Owen; Thomas F. G. Adams, 1827, same; John M. Young, 1828, same; Eli Dixson, 1829-30, same; James Galletly, 1830, same; George Baber, 1831, Greene; Drury B. Boyd, 1832-33, Greene; Joseph P. Storm, 1834-37, Greene; Drury B. Boyd, 1837, Greene; John F. Allison, 1838-40, Greene; James S. Freeman, 1840, Greene; John F. O'Neall, 1841-44, Greene; Lovell H. Rousseau, 1844-46, Greene; John Jones, 1846, Greene; Stephen Lockwood, 1847, Greene; Richard H. Rousseau, 1848, Greene; Andrew Humphreys, 1849-51, Greene; A. Ham, 1851-52, Greene; John W. Ferguson, 1853, Greene; * * * Andrew Humphreys, 1857, Greene; Elijah H. C. Cavins, 1858, Greene; **William G. Moss, 1861-62, Greene; John M. Humphreys, 1863; ***Thomas Mason, 1867-71, Greene; James A. Minick, 1871,Greene; John R. Isenhower, 1872-75, Greene; M. C. Fulk, 1875-76, Greene; James R. Baxter, 187'7, Greene; - Humphreys, Greene; Jacob P. McIntosh and Enoch Fuller, 1881, Greene; Alexander S. Helms, 1882, Greene.

POLITICAL SUMMARY.

The early political history of the county is enveloped in comparative obscurity. No records were kept, and the early actors are gone; so that nothing but the names of a few of the prominent county politicians of that day can be given. John F. O'Neall was a prominent Democrat, and it is said afterward became a Whig. Martin Wines, of Linton was a leading Whig. J. F. Allison came on the stage a little later, as an influential Whig. Eli Dixson, Thomas Warnick and Thomas Bradford were strong Democrats and excellent men. They served the county in various official positions with fidelity. Samuel R. Cavins was a prominent Whig, and occupied the offices of Recorder Auditor and Clerk, for a long period of years, regardless of the fact that the county was strongly Democratic. He was one of the most exemplary citizens ever a resident of Greene Countt. W. C. McIntosh was one of the foremost of the Democrats. Drury B. Boyd was also a politician of the same party. The Stones of Jackson Township were Democrats. Joel B. Sexson and Jesse Rainbolt were Whigs. The Rousseaus and H. L. Livingston were Whigs, and men far above the average in mental comprehension. Andrew Hum. phrey took part in county politics as early as late in the forties, and since that day to the:present has wielded powerful influence in not only the county but in this portion of the State. His activity and fitness in the game of politics has been excelled probably by no other resident of the county. He is highly respected as a standard bearer of Democracy. Frederick Slinkard, an excellent man was a Democrat, and John Yarnell was another. John Ferguson, Ed Beasley, S. H. Lockwood were Whigs. William G. Moss has for years been a leading Democrat. The county has no better citizen or politician. E. H. C. Cavins came into the arena as a candidate for the Legislature in 1858. He was elected and became at once popular. Ladies flocked to hear him, His presence and location were made known on public occasions by collections of crinoline. He became the author of several important
laws, one having the summoning of juries in the Common Pleas Court on the third day instead of on
the first day as previously, a practice which is yet followed. On another important bill, his minority report in committee was accepted by the majority, and became the law. John Thomson and John C. Ferguson were two of the very few Abolitionists in comparatively early times; George Ritchey was another. N. C. Parker was a Free-Soiler; much more of a similar character might be said. The county was Democratic until the close of the last war, at which time the Republicans gained the ascendency. Several changes have since been made. The following in tabular form is the result of every Presidential election since 1844, given by townships:

NOVEMBER, 1844.
DEMOCRAT. WHIG.
Polk Clay
TOWNSHIPS. and and
Dallas. Frelinghuysen.
Richland 159 259
Plummer 116 38
Jackson 72 37
Center 116 54
Beech Creek 72 75
Highland 34 42
Eel River 40 82
Fairplay 43 76
Smith 33 29
Wright 83 11
Stockton 54 23
Stafford
47 31
Washington 40 5
Totals 909 762

NOVEMBER, 1848.
DEMOCRAT.
Cass
TOWNSHIPS. and
Butler. WHIG.
Taylor
and
Fillmore. FREE
Van Buren
and
Adams.
Richland . 75 176 2
Plummer 158 95 4
Jackson 85 92
Center 111 98
Beech Creek 74 92
Highland 70 80
Fairplay 22 47
Eel River 29 70
Smith 94 64 .11?11.
Wright 65 17
Stockton 59 44
Stafford 31 28
Washington 47 15
Totals 921 918 6

NOVEMBER, 1852.
DEMOCRAT.
Pierce
TOWNSHIPS. and
King. WHIG.
Scott and Graham. FREE-SOIL.
Hale
and
Julian.
Richland
69 166
Taylor 104 83 4
Jackson 104 86
Center 126 75
Beech Creek 52 67
Highland 50 88
Fairplay.. 21 32
Eel River 34 52
Smith 19 26
Wright 71 40
Stockton 88 49
Stafford 44 26
Washington 55 9
Cass 84 32 —
Jefferson 30 53
Totals. 950 884 4


NOVEMBER, 1856.
TOWNSHIPS. and DEMOCRAT Buchanan and Breckinridge. . REPUBLICAN
Fremont
and
Dayton


.AMERICAN Fillmore
Donaldson.

.


.
Beech Creek 93 60 18
Highland 72 32 50
Eel River 27 36 27
Jefferson 29 51 43
Smith 21 25 24
Wright 93 21 20
Stockton 116 58 20
Fairplay. 24 4 22
Richland 100 31 139
Center 179 54
Taylor 127 49 41
Jackson

Cass 85 5 40
Washington 90 1 19
Stafford 73 6 17
Totals 1,129 379 534

NOVEMBER, 1860.
REPUBLICAN.
Lincoln.
TOWNSHIPS. and
Hamlin. DEMOCRAT.
Douglas
and
Johnson. DEMOCRAT.
Breckinridge.
and
Lane. UNION.
Bell
and
Everett.
Richland 217 96 2 3
Taylor 122 144 18
Jackson 138 71 79 4
Center 83 148 62 3
Beech Creek 143 111 11.
Highland 84 97
Eel River 54 44
Jefferson 121 56 1
Fairplay. 63 28
Smith. 72 37 5
Wright 71 97 19
Stockton 127 117 3
Stafford 36 71 2
Washington 56 107 1
Cass 33 92 2 3
Totals 1,420 1,316 204 20
NOVEMBER, 1864.
DEMOCRAT. McClellan
TOWNSHIPS. and
Pendleton. REPUBLICAN.
Lincoln
and
Johnson.
Eel River 34 47
Stafford 80 32
Cass 93 23
Stockton 158 88
Fairplay. 38 42
Wright 153 44
Center 169 96
Smith 33 59
Beech Creek 127 137
Taylor . 140 85
Richland 107 187
Jefferson 47 99
Washington 116 135
Highland
94 77
Jackson 127 161
Totals 1515 1212

NOVEMBER, 1868.
DEMOCRAT. Seymour
TOWNSHIPS. and
Blair. REPUBLICAN.
Grant
and
'Colfax.
Smith 39 95
Eel River 29 62
Wright 140 126
Beech Creek 123 219
Richland 115 292
Jefferson 94 128
Jackson 147 197
Washington 178 65
Highland 112 134
Stockton 223 152
Staftbrd 121 56
Cass 132 26
Fairplay 48 93
Center 207 131
Taylor 152 157
Totals
1860 1933

NOVEMBER, 1872.
REPUBLICAN.
Grant
TOWNSHIPS. and
Wilson. LIBERAL
REPUBLICAN.
Greeley
and
Brown. BOURBON DEMOCRAT.
O'Conor
and
Julian.
Richland 269 105 1
Taylor 162 133 3
Jackson 183 162
Center 123 186 2
Highland 125 91
Beech Creek 210 125
Eel River 59 17
Wright 133 120
Fairplay 99 29
Smith 87 36
Stockton 90 121 5
Stafford
72 98 —
Washington 96 158
Cass 43 98 38
Jefferson 198 119
Grant 54 42
Totals 2,003 1,640 49

NOVEMBER, 1876.
REPUBLICAN. DEMOCRAT. INDEPENDENT.
Hayes Tilden Cooper
TOWNSHIPS. and and and
Wheeler. Hendricks. Cary.
Center 153 158 66
Washington 110 197 11
Grant 53 72 9
Fairplay 111 64 8
Cass 48 146 2
Richland 300 153 29
Eel River 52 26
Smith 74 52 25
Wright 160 172 7
Stockton 117 173 3
Jefferson 227 149 9
Jackson 201 196 38
Taylor 173 145 7
Highland 114 • 108 29
Beech Creek 235 155 23
Stafford 79 137 3
Totals 2,107 2,203 269





NOVEMBER, 1880.
REPUBLICAN. DEMOCRAT.
Garfield Hancock
TOWNSI-11PS. and and
Arthur. English. INDEPENDENT.
Weaver
and
Chambers.
Richland 367 186 18
Taylor... 168 159 14
Jackson 268 163 23
Center 137 159 72
Beech Creek 254 152 17
Highland 128 123
Eel River 49 30
Fairplay 95 73 6
Smith 90 69 21
Wright 150 166 9
Stockton 122 200 5
Stafford 99 158
Washington 137 196 1
Cass 49 140 2
Jefferson 253 154 3
Grant 90 87 1
Totals 2,456 2,245 192
 

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This information is the research of many people across the United States and may contain errors. It is presented as the best information to date. Like all of those whose work I have incorporated herein, my research is a work in progress and subject to change without notice. A special thanks to Marlene Ricci of CA, Dwayne Meyer of CA, Jacqueline Bean of TX, Debbie Dick of IN, Milus Miller of IL, Carol Hendricks Miller of IN, Clarence Miller of IN, and Harold Glen Miller of IN. There are numerous others too; many of which are unknown, but their findings and stories are still much appreciated. Much of this would not have been possible with out their information. Also this website includes historical facts gathered from Washington County History, Indiana History, Rowan County and Salisbury North Carolina Historical sources and other US Historical sources.

James A. Miller- Great -Great -Great -Great Grandson of Adam Miller and Hannah Sheets.

©2007 The Millers of Washington County

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